Description
These Freezer-Friendly Pasta Pops are a fun and convenient way to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes on-the-go. Made with cooked mac and cheese or spaghetti, combined with cheese and egg, then baked into portable, kid-friendly pops, they are perfect for freezing and reheating anytime. Customize with veggies or pepperoni for extra flavor and enjoy a crispy, melty snack or meal that’s easy to prepare and store.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese or spaghetti with sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 egg (to help bind)
Optional Add-ins
- Diced veggies (e.g., bell peppers, carrots)
- Mini pepperoni slices
- Breadcrumbs (for added crunch)
Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks
- Cooking spray or oil (for greasing the muffin tin)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking your pasta pops before freezing.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked pasta (either mac and cheese or spaghetti with sauce) with the shredded cheese and the egg. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Grease the muffin tin wells lightly to prevent sticking. Then scoop the pasta mixture into each well, pressing down gently to compact the mixture slightly.
- Insert Sticks: Place a lollipop stick or popsicle stick into the center of each muffin cup to create the popsicle shape.
- Bake: Bake the pasta pops in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are set and the tops start to turn slightly crisp and golden.
- Cool and Freeze: Allow the pasta pops to cool completely in the muffin tin. Once cool, either freeze them directly in the tin if freezer space allows or transfer them to freezer-safe bags for storage.
- Reheat and Serve: When ready to enjoy, reheat the pasta pops in the microwave or toaster oven until they are warmed through and melty, then serve.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is well cooked but not mushy for the best texture.
- Adding breadcrumbs helps add extra crunch if desired.
- You can customize these pops with your favorite veggies or mini pepperoni for more flavor.
- Use nonstick spray or oil to grease muffin tins to facilitate easy removal.
- These pasta pops can be stored frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheat thoroughly before serving to ensure they are warm all the way through.
